We’re told that, for one reason or another, this is going to be a DOOZEY of a mosquito season. Of course this means we’ll be needing repellents. Yuk…there’s gotta be a healthy alternative to those chemically-based toxic skin sprays, right?

Right! So take heart. Turns out, Zoe Blarowski (horticulturist and health information expert), knows all about this and shared her research and wisdom on a favorite site (care2.com) recently. I’m condensing and quoting her:

“Mosquitoes find you primarily by your scent. They’re extremely sensitive and can smell a potential meal from over 160 feet away. Scientific research shows that the foods we eat can change how our bodies smell. For instance, have you ever had a meal seasoned with pungent spices, then smelled them on your breath or skin afterwards?

Mosquitoes can also smell that too. The good news is, there are specific foods that can throw them off your scent. Try loading up on the following foods this summer and see if mosquitoes give you a miss.”

GARLIC. Mosquitoes hate garlic. In fact, it’s recognized as so effective that it’s included in various commercial bug and mosquito repellents. It’s distinctive smell is partially due to its chemical compound, allicin. When you eat garlic, you’ve likely noticed the smell of allicin as it comes through the pores of your skin. This is a powerful protectant.

APPLE CIDER VINEGAR (ACV). The strong smell of ACV is known to repel mosquitoes and some other bugs. You can simply wipe it on your skin and it’ll work well. But, if you consume it regularly, the scent will naturally come through your pores.

It’s recommended to consume at least one tablespoon of ACV per day to have enough in your system to ward off mosquitoes. It has many other health benefits and you can add it to salad dressings, soups or other dishes.

VITAMIN B1 FOODS. Anecdotal evidence suggests that vitamin B1 (called thiamine), also deters mosquitoes. Many people have experienced a benefit of either using vitamin B1 supplements or eating foods high in vitamin B1.

Based on these numerous personal success stories, you might consider including foods high in thiamine in your diet and see what happens. It’s such an important vitamin for other reasons, that you’ll have nothing to lose. Some of the best sources of thiamine include sunflower seeds, black beans, navy beans, soy beans, lentils, nutritional yeast, macadamia nuts, and wheat germ.

GRAPEFRUIT. Nootkatone is the chemical compound that gives grapefruit its familiar fragrance. Nootkatone is also proven to be an effective mosquito repellent (as well as ticks, bed bugs, head lice and various other insects). The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are working with biotechnology companies to develop a commercial bug repellent based on nootkatone. This would provide a safe and natural product to help combat disease-spreading insects like mosquitoes and ticks.

It’s not known if eating grapefruit regularly will provide enough nootkatone to repel insects from your skin. But, nootkatone and grapefruit are recognized as completely safe to eat, so it’s definitely worth a try. (This sounds like a very good reason to invest in some high-quality grapefruit essential oil, as well.)

HERBS AND SPICES. And speaking of essential oils, the essential oils from many different herbs and spices, topically applied, are also recognized as effective mosquito repellents. It’s possible, though, that these pungent oils contained in the fresh herbs and spices could affect the smell of your skin. Considering the alternative, it’s probably worth the risk, right?

And considering that most herbs and spices also have many health benefits, you can’t go wrong adding more flavors to your food. Do note, however, that the effect of eating the source herbs and spices remains unknown as it has never been studied.

If you’d like to try the essential oil route, then choose those proven to be excellent repellents: clove, thyme, cinnamon, rosemary, lavender, catnip, peppermint, and lemongrass, and citronella.

Finally, I’ll close with a popular recipe (popular because it WORKS) from the Wellness Mama (www.wellnessmama.com) for mosquito and bug repellent. And meanwhile, here’s to a summer free from itch!

HOMEMADE MOSQUITO AND BUG REPELLENT

30 drops geranium essential oil.

30 drops citronella essential oil.

20 drops lemon eucalyptus essential oil.

20 drops lavender essential oil.

10 drops rosemary essential oil.

1 tablespoon vodka or rubbing alcohol.

1/2 cup natural Witch Hazel.

1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

1. Place essential oils in a glass spray bottle. Add vodka or alcohol and shake well to combine.

2. Pour in witch hazel and shake to combine.

3. Add 1/2 teaspoon vegetable glycerin if using. This is not necessary but helps everything stay combined.

4. Add water and shake again. Shake before each use as the oils and water will naturally separate some over time.

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